Labyrinthine artery

The labyrinthine artery (auditory artery, internal auditory artery) is a branch of either the anterior inferior cerebellar artery or the basilar artery. It accompanies the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) through the internal acoustic meatus. It supplies blood to the internal ear.

Labyrinthine artery
Diagram of the arterial circulation at the base of the brain. (Internal auditory artery labeled at center left.)
Details
Source	Anterior inferior cerebellar artery or basilar artery
Vein	Internal auditory veins
Supplies	Inner ear
Identifiers
Latin	arteria labyrinthi, arteria auditiva interna
TA98	A12.2.08.020
TA2	4551
FMA	50548
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

Structure

The labyrinthine artery is a branch of either the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) or the basilar artery.^[1][2] It accompanies the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) through the internal acoustic meatus.^[1] It divides into a cochlear branch and a labyrinthine (or anterior vestibular) branch.^[1]

Function

The labyrinthine artery supplies blood to the inner ear.^[1][3] It also supplies the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) along its length.^[3]

Clinical significance

The labyrinthine artery may become occluded.^[3] This can cause loss of hearing and balance on the affected side.^[3]

History

The labyrinthine artery may also be known as the internal auditory artery or the auditory artery.

See also

• Internal auditory veins